6708 13 l1_123_presentation_4

Level 1 Diploma in Plastering

© 2013 City and Guilds of London Institute. All rights reserved.

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PowerPoint presentation

Measure, cut and fix plasterboards

Unit 123: Fixing sheet materials



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Assessment criteria

1.1 state how to use specifications and schedules to fix plasterboards

1.2 state the importance of accurate measurements

1.3 identify different types of fixings used for plasterboards

1.4 state the reasons for staggering joints when fixing plasterboards

2.3 fix sheet materials in place

2.4 apply safe working procedures for cutting and fixing plasterboards



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Cutting plasterboards

1. Mark out timber studs

on the floor and

ceiling.

2. This will help locate

the studs once the

boards are in place.



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1. Gyproc boards must be fixed with the printing facing the studs.

2. Each board has two bound and two unbound edges. The bound edge must span the studs.

Cutting plasterboards: rules to remember



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Cutting plasterboards … continued

• Prepare a cutting area.

• Measure the length

required (remember to

measure to the centre of

the stud).

When measuring

plasterboards, it is

essential that correct

measurements are taken.

This will reduce the

amount of wastage.

Waste = loss of profits!



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1. Lay the board down flat

with printing facing

downwards.

2. Mark off the

measurements required

on the face of the board

and place a straight

edge up to these marks.

3. Using the board knife,

score the board two or

three times along the

straight edge.



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4. Now turn the board right over so that the printing is facing upwards. Whilst holding the board up slightly, with one hand tap along the reverse of the cut and snap the core.

5. With the core of the board now broken, the paper lining needs to be cut to separate the two pieces.

• Any rough edges can be

smoothed with a surform.

• Care should be taken not to

tear the paper from the face of

the board, as this will cause a

defect.



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Waste

• Most building materials, including plasterboards, can be recycled.

• This helps to reduce the amount of waste in landfills

www.siniat.co.uk/sustainability/ www.british-gypsum.com/sustainable.aspx



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Fixings

Plasterboards can be fixed with:

• Galvanised nails

(clout nails)

• Drywall screws

• Collated screws (countersunk phillips)

Nails should be

galvanised and screws

should be zinc plated or

coated. This will prevent

the heads from ‘rusting’

through.



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Fixing plasterboards

Due to the different thickness of boards and the need to make them secure, different lengths of screws and nails must be used.

Size of board in mm Size of screw in mm

9.5 32

12.5 38

15 38

19 41



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Fixing plasterboards … continued

• Screws should be spaced 300mm apart.

• Nails should be spaced 150mm apart.

• Fixings should be a minimum of 13mm from the edges.



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• Screws provide a more secure fixing than nails.

• Screws can easily be removed compared to nails.

• BUT power of some form is needed to make it easier to use screws.



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Staggering boards:

• adds strength

• distributes the weight

• means they are less likely to crack.

Joints should be covered in scrim tape.



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• Heads must grip the paper but not puncture the core.

• The boards should be pulled tight to the studs.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARka0CKOqxM



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Openings

• When fixing to walls with

door openings, certain

aspects must be taken

into consideration.

• Movement can occur on

the wall from the door

and cause cracking.



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Openings

In order to combat this problem, it is advisable to cut the boards so that they are not running in line with the frame



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Switches and sockets

• Switches and sockets should be measured out and cut prior to fixing.

• There are many ‘tricks of the trade’ that your tutor can show you



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Switches and sockets

• A good method is to measure out the required opening.

• Draw it out on the board.

• Drill the four corners.

• The holes can now be joined by scoring with a knife and small straight edge.

• A pad saw can now be used to cut out the opening.



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Any questions?

Education

6708 13 l1_123_presentation_4